The students visited the White House to witness the official welcoming ceremony for the Prime Minister of Japan, Junichiro Koizumi.

The ceremony included a 19-gun salute, a military color guard, an Air Force brass band, and drum corps dressed in Revolutionary era uniform. (Institute scholars Fred Jones and Justin Wilson pictured at right on the South Lawn)

President Bush remarked that the United States and Japan have to remain united in their hard stance toward North Korea’s nuclear weapons’ testing plans. The President stated that it would be “unacceptable” for North Korea to launch a long-range missile for testing.

President Bush also joked of their impending visit to Graceland saying, “officially he is here to meet with the president, but I know the highlight of his visit will be paying his respects to the King."

Koizumi, one of Bush’s closest friends on the world stage, will be stepping down from office in September.